Street Food in India- Eminent in the Food World

From the famous Puckhas to the mouth-watering Chaats, we Indians have a soft corner when it comes to Street food. Whether it’s a 10-minute office break or hanging out with friends after tuition, we just can’t resist the urge of digging into these not so healthy, yet so delicious roadside delights.

According to a 2007 study from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2.5 billion people eat street food every day. So the question arises, what is Street Food?

The answer to this question is not that complicated. As per the literal meaning, it is ready-to-eat food sold by the vendors and peddlers, in the public places for immediate consumption. These are cheap and easily available.

When it comes to street food, India tops the charts. Be it north, south, east or west, every region of India has its own speciality. The now world-famous Gol Gapa or Puchka, Aloo Tikki, crunchy roadside treat, Momos which rules the hearts of every Indian and not to mention Litti Choka, a Bihari cuisine are some of the examples.

Features of Street Food

Availability

It is easily available everywhere moreover, there are establishments in almost all the corners and streets in the city. You just have to walk a few meters or cross the streets and voila!

Sold by vendors or hawkers

It is found on the curb in the stalls as well as they are sold by men or women on hand-pushed or bicycle-driven carts. It is mainly sold by people with low incomes.

Cheap

It is inexpensive and bangs for the bucks. There is no need to make reservations or pay extra taxes. In just Rs 10- 20, you will be able to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Personal affair

Unlike a restaurant where one is served by a waiter and the food in bulk food is prepared in bulk, street food is more personal. It is because the person who makes it is usually the owner of the business.

“Main toh raste se jaa raha tha, main toh bhel puri kha raha tha.” Most of you would be familiar with this very famous 90s Bollywood track. This song rightly depicts the Indian situation. So why not grab a plate of bhel puri while listening to this song and enjoy your day.